Short-Term Study

If you are coming study in the UK for less than 6 months or you are returning to the UK for a short period as part of a longer programme, you can apply for a Short-Term Study visa.

If your nationality allows you to enter the to the UK without a visa (Non-visa national), you can request entry to the UK for Short-Term Study when you arrive. You will not need a visa but you must still be able to to demonstrate that you meet the same requirements (see 'Documents required', below) if requested.

Applying for a Short-Term Study visa

Evidence required

An original 'Short-term study letter' from your academic department giving details about your study, the University and when you are required to attend. You should request the letter from your department well in advance of your visa application or travel to the UK

Evidence that you can pay for your visit and have money to support yourself without assitance or working

Arriving in the UK

Students applying for a Short-Term Study visa before travelling to the UK and non-visa nationals requesting Short-Term Study permission on arrival in the UK should show the Short-Term Study letter to border officials on entry, if asked.

Entry using eGates not allowed for Short-Term Study

If you are entering the UK for Short-Term Study (as described above), you should not use eGates at the airport as you must have your visa / passport stamped by a border official. This applies if you apply for a Short-Term Study visa before you travel or if you request permission to enter the UK on arrival.

If you do enter the UK using eGates, your will only have permission to study in the UK up to a maximum of 30 days.

Leaving the UK

Although your Short-Term Study visa may appear to allow you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months, the Immigration Rules state that you should leave the UK no more than 30 days after the end of the period of attendance required, as stated in the letter from your department.